If you are looking for fun, engaging ways to help your kids learn about earthquakes, look no further than the US Geological Survey (USGS). USGS offers lots of activities and information for kids of all ages.

Have some fun with puzzles and games or learn fascinating earthquake facts. Check out the science of earthquake and even get ideas for your school’s science fair.

If you homeschool, you’ll find tons of resources for your curriculum. You can even create a unit study with enough material to teach multiple ages.

Ready to find out more? Check out USGS Earthquakes for Kids page and turn your child into an earthquake expert. Then let them help go through your emergency earthquake kit so they understand how to be prepared when an earthquake strikes.

Earthquakes are not only terrifying; they can be deadly. In 2012, there were over 700 deaths from earthquakes. Learning how to survive an earthquake is essential if you live in any area that is prone to earthquakes.

Who Gets Earthquakes?

Did you know that there are only 8 states that do not report earthquake activity? These states are:

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Iowa

Maryland

North Dakota

Vermont

Wisconsin

The remaining 42 states are affected by earthquakes. States with the most earthquakes are:

Alaska

California

Hawaii

Nevada

Washington

Idaho

Wyoming

Montana

Utah

Oregon

Even though an earthquake may not occur in all these states, it is often felt in the states surround the one struck by an earthquake. It may still cause damage and injuries or death. Therefore, in addition to having a survival kit and first aid kit, it is essential for the majority of people in the U.S. to know how to survive and earthquake when one occurs.

Survival Myth

One common myth is to use the “triangle of life.” This idea was spread via email and was written by Doug Copp from American Rescue Team International. He claims that taking cover under an object that creates a void, often in a triangle shape, is the safest thing to do.

His email states, “…when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them. This space is what I call the ‘triangle of life‘”

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

To practice this method:

Drop to your knees, before you are knocked down by the shaking.

Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk.

Hold on to your shelter object and be ready to move if necessary.

If there is nothing to take shelter under, get down against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. You should also make sure heavy items in your home are secured and use an earthquake kit to make your home safer.

Most people think of California when they think of earthquake country, but the fact is, the Central U.S. has moderate to light earthquake fairly often, and larger earthquakes that will cause damage are expected to occur in the near future.

Would it surprise you to learn that there are 150 earthquakes each year in the Central U.S.?

Sadly, most people in the Central U.S. don’t think they are in any danger from earthquakes, so they do not prepare. If you live in the central U.S., take steps now to be reduce damage and injuries in the event of a major earthquake where you live.

If you live in an older home, be sure it is retrofitted to meet current codes for earthquake safety. Your home should be bolted to its foundation, the water heater should be strapped and furniture should be secured. If you have a chimney, it may need to be strengthened to keep it from collapsing. Get an earthquake kit to help you get your home secured.

You should also have emergency kits for your home, car and place of employment. A quake can occur at any time, and the resulting damage to roads and buildings may make it impossible to get home, so you will need to have emergency supplies with you.

Medical services and banks may be disabled after an earthquake, so be sure you have cash on hand, as well as a first aid kit and other essential medical supplies.

Look into a separate earthquake policy to cover any damage your property may sustain. Contrary to what many people think, a standard homeowner’s policy will not usually cover earthquake damage.

On February 7, 2013 you can participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut! So far there will be 1.2 million participants. Will you be one of them?

The central states participating this year include Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi. To take part, you must first fill out the registration form. Then get ready to Drop, Cover and Hold On where ever you happen to be at 10:15 am on February 7th.

You can take part in this drill individually, as an organization or as a business. Spread the word, because the more people who know what to do in an earthquake, the better prepared we can all be to get through it safely.

This is also a great opportunity to teach your family what to do in the case of an earthquake.

To prepare, make sure to review the Earthquake Safety PDF so everyone understands what to do.You can also download a PDF for Earthquake Preparedness for People with Disabilities.You should discuss preparedness to be sure everyone has their minimum of three-days supply of food and water. Discuss other ways of being prepared as well, such as having an earthquake kit and first aid kit.

Earthquakes have really been in the news lately. Last week Alaska had several to deal with including one that prompted a tsunami warning that was later canceled.

Also last week, a small earthquake occurred in Colorado, apparently caused by coal mining in the area. Another small earthquake hit Oklahoma as well, and fortunately, there were no injuries.

Does it seem like there are a lot of earthquakes lately? Scientists are researching ways to predict earthquakes by monitoring electrical currents, and they expect a ‘big one’ to hit the Northwest soon based on small tremors that seem to be getting progressively stronger.

Another study found that faults previously considered stable may actually rupture, causing a ‘mega-quake‘. They added that a quake of this magnitude could place a heavy burden on emergency responders.

This is why it makes sense to prepare for emergencies like this. Make sure your emergency kit and first aid kit are ready to go. Don’t forget the extra earthquake supplies that you need to secure your home, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

You need to be ready to take care of yourself and your family if emergency responders cannot get to you.